Reissue | TN:12 Glass Animals

Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings. To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days). In this episode, John is joined by James Blake to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’. With the idea of simplifying his solo work primarily with synths and drums, James shares his process of crafting an album with the purpose of getting away from the computer, reflecting on the impact it had on his creativity and mental health. A true master of modular synths, he talks us through the long journey learning to create ‘listenable’ music with them, discussing the ways in which they are able to create sounds that he couldn't have imagined.  Listen to discover the enlightening advice James received from Universal's Head A&R, how to best record your voice if you plan to pitch it, and how to adopt the mindset of making music for fun. Tracks discussed: Loading, Big Hammer, Playing Robots Into Heaven LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’ here. Republic Records, Polydor Records, UMG Recordings Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Thermionic Culture Fat Bustard Sequential Prophet 8 Native Instruments Massive Intellijel Metropolis Make Noise MATHS Make Noise Black and Gold Soma Pulsar-23 Roland SH-101 Roland TR-8S Roland TR-909 Erica Synths LX-02 OEK Sound Soothe FXpansion Geist Valhalla Reverbs Valhalla Vintage Verb API Desk Logic Pro OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns. KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes Patreon: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Andy Tindall - Videographer Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

26 Sep 20231h 44min

Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings. To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days). In this episode, John heads to Miloco’s The Yard Studios, to catch up with Guy and Howard of Disclosure, and talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Alchemy’. Having taken a break from their relentless touring schedule, the pair guide us through their reassessed approach to creativity. From stories of managing burnout and heartbreak, to balancing meaning and feelings with the key production choices of each track. As well as sharing Howard’s very first AirBnb demos, Guy digs deep with a vast production breakdown, including sharing his go-to method of creating kicks and the small additions to a track that can make it sparkle. Listen to find out the quickest way to come up with a new track idea, why it’s so good to be musically naive, and the best ways to check if things still sound cool. Tracks discussed: Looking For Love, Simply Won’t Do, High Than Ever Before LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘Alchemy’ here.  Apollo Records, AWAL Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Soundtoys Little AlterBoy FabFilter Saturn Izotope VocalSynth 2 BigKick - https://geni.us/vOoH Spectrasonics Omnisphere Spectrasonics Keyscape Spectrasonics Trilian Tube Tech Compressor Pultec EQ Neumann Mics SSL SIX Channel Strip Fairchild Compressor Plugin Fairchild Compressor (Real thing) Ampeg Bass Amp GEM Dopamine Kick 2 OEK Sound Soothe Valhalla Reverbs Xfer LFO Tool The God Particle Roland Jupiter 8 DX7 Synth Waldorf Wave Yamaha CS60 Novation Peak Logic EFM Synth Logic Ultrabeat Logic Pro X OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns. KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes Patreon: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Andy Tindall/Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

29 Aug 20232h 5min

Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings. To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days). In this episode, John catches up with Amber Bain aka The Japanese House, along with producers Chloe Kraemer and George Daniel to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘In The End It Always Does’. Looking back on their time together, Amber, Chloe, and George guide us through the process of bringing each song to life. Alongside stories of misunderstood lyrics and dog walk writing sessions, they treat us to some of the most stunning first demos ever heard, as well as the spontaneous studio moments that left everyone in tears. As well as digging into the processes that shape the sound of the record, the trio discuss the importance of people when making music. They give us insights on the effects that come with having different personalities in the room, and how their studio mindsets have allowed them to efficiently work together in all iterations of themselves. Listen to find out why there should be more songs about pets, how insecurity can destroy productivity, and what the difference is between a lyric song and a music song.  Tracks discussed: Boyhood, Sunshine Baby, One for sorrow, two for Joni Jones LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘In The End It Always Does’ here.  Dirty Hit Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Output Portal Soundtoys PrimalTap Spectrasonics Omnisphere Xfer Serum Moog One OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns. KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes Patreon: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Andy Tindall/Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer/Editors Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

16 Aug 20231h 40min

In this episode, John is joined by Blur frontman Damon Albarn and producer James Ford, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘The Ballad of Darren’. With Damon’s initial demos to hand, the pair give us a guided tour of the record, right through the early versions and studio sessions, from the moments that reignited the feelings they had when writing in the 90s, to piecing together the musical jigsaw that forms the Blur sound. Along with stories of Damon’s inspirational chickens and the dangers of making pesto while writing an album, we’re treated to an in depth production and songwriting masterclass, with details on manufacturing the sound of a room, and the importance of energy and intention behind a song. Listen to find out what makes the first performance of something so special, why a 4-track recorder can sometimes be a great replacement pillow, and what benefits come with giving yourself distance from a record. Tracks discussed: St. Charles Square, The Everglades (For Leonard), The Narcissist LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘The Ballad of Darren’ here   Parlophone Records Ltd, a Warner Music Group Company Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Eventide H3000 U47 Mic Neve 1073 Preamp Neve Desk TON-1501 Analog Strings Synthesizer Powertran Transcendent 2000 Coles 4038 Mics Mellotron Whurli Clavinet Fender Amps Semler Amps Garageband OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns. KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes Patreon: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Videographer - Andy Tindall/Herbie Elton-Rowley Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

4 Aug 20231h 31min

In this episode, John is joined by Ben Howard and producer Nathan Jenkins aka Bullion, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Ben’s latest album ‘Is It?’. Looking back on their time together, Ben and Nathan talk us through their collaborative journey, from their initial coffee shop discussions, to the 10 day stint recording in the South of France. Sharing their initial sketches, voice note demos and the unexpected moments that changed the direction of each of the tracks. In addition to stories of delay tuning and the potentially negative effects of singing with too much reverb, the pair share their thoughts on the importance of considering different musical approaches and giving time to ideas to allow them to flourish. Listen to find out why you’ll never need four mics on an amp, why one wrong note with a delay can ruin a whole take, and why laziness is fundamental to Ben’s creativity. Tracks discussed: Walking Backwards, Days Of Lantana, Spirit LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Thanks to Strongroom Studios for having us! Instagram Twitter Listen to ‘Is It?’ here. Island, Universal Music Operations Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Korg Volca Beat CR78 Drum Machine Shure SM57 Shure SM58 EchoPlex Roland Space Echo RE-201 Teenage Engineering OP1 Eventide H3000 Ultra Harmoniser OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns. KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes Patreon: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns. TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Videographer - Andy Tindall Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

11 Juli 20231h 33min

In this episode, John joins Dom Harrison, a.k.a. YUNGBLUD and producer Mati Schwartz to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Dom’s debut album, ‘21st Century Liability’. Digging into the very first tracks that the pair worked on together, Dom and Mati share the story of how their relationship began, looking back at the early rejection and tough love moment that kicked Dom into action, and forming the Yungblud sound as we know it today. As well as talking through the evolution of his tracks, including playing unheard sections and old vocal takes, we’re treated to thoughts on the importance of individuality in music, and the huge impact that comes with really knowing what you want to say. Listen to find out one of the best excuses for buying more guitars, how simple hi-hats can make a song bounce, and what happens when you bump into Chris Martin naked in a steam room.  Tracks discussed: I Love You Will You Marry Me, Anarchist, Polygraph Eyes,  LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘21st Century Liability’ here. Locomotion Recordings, Geffen Records, Interscope Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Waves CLA Vocals UAD Compressors Logic Compressor Addictive Drums Gibson B25 1964 Fender Strat 1963 Martin Guitars OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns. KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes Patreon: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Videographer - Herbie Elton-Rowley Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

26 Juni 20231h 49min

Get 50GB of DAW project storage with our sponsor Aux: https://aux.app/tapenotes  In this episode, John joins Nick Douwma, a.k.a. Sub Focus, to talk about how he wrote, recorded, and produced his latest album 'Evolve'. Unable to stop John from dancing out of his chair, Nick ploughs on and talks us through the evolution of his most recent tracks. Sharing some of the first demos and samples that kick-started his process, we hear stories of late-night hotel room sessions and road-testing tracks live before settling into them. As well as delving into some of the history and theory behind Drum & Bass, we're treated to a production masterclass, diving deep with tips on oscillators and tuning, harmonics, and things to bear in mind when you're having phase issues. Listen to find out why you almost never double the speed of an a cappella, why the key of a track is so important, and how to constructively use your time outside of the studio. Tracks discussed: Fine Day, Ready To Fly, Secrets LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘Evolve’ here EMI, Universal Music Operations Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Sonorous PaulXStretch Oszillos Mega Scope Xfer LFO Tool Thermionic Culture Vulture Emulation Clariphonic DSP MkII Korg M1 Piano VST Valhalla Shimmer Celemony Melodyne Akaizer Spitfire Strings Xfer Serum ROMpler Instrument Reese Bass Roland Juno 60 Shure SM58 Neumann U87 Apple AirPods Max Cubase Ableton OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns. KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes Patreon: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns. TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Videographer - Andy Tindall Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

21 Juni 20231h 47min

In this episode, John catches up with the mastermind behind Temps, James Acaster, at Strongroom Studios, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘PARTY GATOR PURGATORY’. Reflecting on the genesis of Temps, James talks us through the initial moments of creation, from recording and chopping up his drums from an unaired mockumentary, through to his selection of almost 40 collaborators and how they each steered the music in such unexpected directions. As well as stories of field recording and Pokemon catching on Brighton beach, we hear thoughts on the differences and crossover points between creating as a standup comedian and as a musician, discussing failure, taste, and the importance of considering your audience. Listen to find out, why embracing deliberate imperfection can yield surprising results, how metal drums can transform into an emotional waltz, and why, on whatever project, the most important thing is that you love it. Tracks discussed: lookaliveandplaydead, at(moves), slowreturn LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Thanks to Strongroom Studios for having us! Instagram Twitter Listen to ‘PARTY GATOR PURGATORY’ here. Bella Union Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Logic Pro X Garageband Yeti Microphone OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns. KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes Patreon: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)  Donate TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Videographer - Andy Tindall Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

5 Juni 20231h 47min